St Pat's Shamrock: Week 5 Term 1 2019

Ash Wednesday

This Wednesday at 9:10, the children will attend mass for Ash Wednesday. Parents are welcome to join us.

Ash Wednesday is one of the most popular and important holy days in the liturgical calendar. Ash Wednesday opens Lent, a season of fasting and prayer.

Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday, and is chiefly observed by Catholics, although many other Christians observe it too.

Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head. The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us. As the priest applies the ashes to a person's forehead, he speaks the words: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."

Alternatively, the priest may speak the words, "Repent and believe in the Gospel." (Excerpt from Catholic Online )

Our next family mass will be on Sunday 17th March for St Patrick's day. Mass will be followed by a special celebration to reveal and open the time capsule left in the school 25 years ago. We have been instructed to open it on St Patrick's day and will prepare a special celebration for the event. We will keep you informed.

Parish Education Board AGM 20th March

The Parish Education Board will hold their AGM at 7pm on 20th March.

We thank and farewell John Howard, Gabby Paroli and Kylie Telfer, as their two year terms on the board come to an end at our next meeting.

According to the 2018 guidelines, there will be a Parish vacancy for 2019. Fr Leenus is following this up with the parishioners.

Parents are welcome to express their interest if they are keen to join the Board. Please feel free to contact any of the Parish Education Board members (via pink list):

John O’Sullivan (Gr 2)

Steven Peters (Gr 1, Gr 5)

Jenny Jones (Gr 2, Gr 3)

In 2020, there will be four parent vacancies and nominations will be requested early next year.
You can learn more about the board at this link on our Learning Community Site.

Parent Skill Registration Form 2019 “A hundred ways to help”

The St Patrick’s Parish Education Board is a group of parents whose role is to work with the school leadership team for the betterment of the school. The Board are seeking your assistance, as we recognise that many in our school community have valuable skills that could be harnessed to assist.

Participation in the skills register is voluntary. Completing this form indicates that you are happy to be approached, with the understanding that you will never be obliged to become involved, or give more of your time than you are comfortable to.

In 2019, we are especially keen to hear from parents who:

o would like to know more about joining the Education Board
o have skills/ knowledge in Occupational Health & Safety
Please feel free to contact any of the Parish Education Board members (via pink list):

John O’Sullivan (Gr 2)

Steven Peters (Gr 1, Gr 5)

Jenny Jones (Gr 2, Gr 3)

You can access an online version of the form at this link. Please print, complete and return to the office. Hard copies will be sent home next week.

PatCare
We need a few more people on the PatCare list. This is a community initiative that provides a meal to members of our school community who are suffering. It’s such a beautiful component of our caring community. If you would be willing to cook a meal (one once or twice a year!) please email pandf@spmurrumbeena.catholic.edu.au and we will pass on your details to Paula Sanders our PatCare leader.

Dates for 2019 Sacraments and Family Workshops

Dates for the sacramental programs have now been confirmed as follows:

RECONCILIATION GRADE 3

Family Workshop Tuesday 19 March 6.15 3D 7.30 3P

Reconciliation Tuesday 30 April 6.30pm

FIRST COMMUNION GRADE 4

Family Workshop Tuesday 6 August Times for sessions -TBA

First Communion Sunday 15 September 9am & 5pm

CONFIRMATION GRADE 6

Family Workshop Tuesday 27 August Times for sessions -TBA

Confirmation Wednesday 23 October 7pm and Thursday 24 October 7pm

DENDY SWIMMING CARNIVAL

We are extremely proud of the 30 students from Years 4-6 who participated at the Dendy Swimming Carnival last Monday. The energy and team spirit within the St Patrick's area was led by the Yr6s who showed support and encouragement to the Yr4s and Yr5s, some of who were competing in their first carnival. You are all to be congratulated on your efforts, behaviour and sportsmanship throughout the day.

St Patrick's finished the day in equal 3rd place- a fantastic result!

Special mention to the following students who had the 1st or 2nd fastest time in their event, and will go on to compete in the Beachside Division Swimming Carnival next week. The day finished with exciting performances from our relay teams - well done everyone!

* Millie P - 9/10 Girls Freestyle and Butterfly

* Will W - 11 Boys Backstroke

* Grace H - 11 Girls Butterfly

* Harper K, Zoe S, Olivia H, Tara M - 9/10 Girls Freestyle Relay

* Matt F, Finn C, Will W, Christian E - 11 Boys Freestyle Relay

* Luciana D, Alice M, Kate R, Grace H - 12/13 Girls Freestyle Relay

Traffic around the School

We have had several complaints already this year from residents and locals regarding the parking on Dalny Road, especially cars parking too close to the corner of Murrumbeena Road and overhanging driveways. These complainants have been referred to Glen Eira Council. This usually results in inspectors visiting and issuing fines. Please be considerate of our neighbours and also adhere to the parking restrictions which are there to keep our children safe. Thank you.

Teeth on Wheels